Ropivacaine After Sternotomy

Ropivacaine Infusion to Alleviate Postoperative Pain After Cardiac Surgery

Continuous ropivacaine infusion to sternotomy wound after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or heart valve surgery to diminish postoperative pain.

A multiporous catheter will be introduced into sternotomy wound to CABG or heart valve surgery patients and continuous ropivacaine infusion 4 ml/h will be started immediately after surgery. Ropivacaine infusion will be administered during 48 postoperative hours. All patients receive patient controlled analgesia (PCA) oxycodone after extubation in the PACU. All patients receive a standardized anesthesia during surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective CABG or heart valve surgery patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychic disorders
• Sleep apnea syndrome
• Diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent)
• Obesity, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35
• Cardiac insufficiency, ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 30